Apparatus for partitioning a room having a stepped floor



Feb. 4, 1969 K.J. CARLO I 3,

APPARATUS FOR PARTITIONING A ROOM HAVING A STEPPED FLOOR Filed Aug. 28,1967 Sheet 1 of 5 N5 FIG-l rw I 30 II.

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Feb. 4, 1969 K. J. CARLO APPARATUS FOR PARTITIONING A ROOM HAVING ASTEPPED FLOOR Filed Aug. 28, 1967 K- J. CARLO Feb. 4, 1969 APPARATUS FORPARTITIONING A ROOM HAVING A STEPPED FLOOR 5 f 0 3 t e 6 mm i. I Fyhk QI. :%I v v E J m Gm m aw M d e .U F m I Q l United States Patent 11Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A coilable partition is supported forextension within a trough formed within a stepped floor defined byalternate tread and riser surfaces, and tread and riser plates areautomatically pivotable between positions closing and opening the troughby power driven mechanisms interconnecting the corresponding plates.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Coilable partitions, such as shown in CarloPatent No. 3,090,425 assigned to the assignee of the present invention,are frequently used for separating a room having a stepped floor such anauditorium, grandstand or lecture room, into a plurality of smallerrooms or areas. In some installations, the leading edge portion of thepartition is stepped to accommodate the stepped floor as shown in CarloPatent No. 3,090,424, also assigned to the assignee of the presentinvention, while in other installations, a slot or trough is formedwithin the stepped floor to provide for extending the full partition onhorizontal tracks extending into the trough.

In the latter installations, usually a sloping flat cover plate isemployed as a closure for the trough when the partition is retracted andis commonly hinged to one side of the trough so that it can be manuallyopened like a trap door for extending the partition and manually closedafter the partition is retracted. Not only does the sloping cover platepresent the hazard that someone might accidentally slip and slide downthe cover plate but there is also the possibility that the operator ofthe partition may forget to close the cover plate after the partition isretracted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to animproved closure for a partition trough formed within a stepped floor ofa room which trough particularly includes separate tread and riserplates which cover the trough so that the tread and riser surfaces ofthe floor extend flush across the trough when the partition isretracted. The tread and riser plates are individually hinged at oneside of the trough and are automatically pivoted between open and closedpositions by power driven mechanism so that all of the plates can beconveniently and quickly opened immediately before the partition isextended and conveniently and quickly closed after the partition isretracted to avoid the dangerous condition of an open or uncoveredtrough after the partition is retracted.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing description, the accompanying drawings and the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of astepped floor having a trough adapted to receive a coilable partitionand including automatically operated tread and riser plates constructedand operated in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing the tread and cover plates inopen positions for extending the partition;

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FIG. 3 is an elevational view through the trough showing the generalarrangement of the operating mechanism for the tread and riser plates;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of the mechanism foroperating the tread and riser plates;

FIG. 5 is a section taken on the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a section taken on the line 6-6 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a section taken on the line 77 of FIG. 6;

dFIG. 8 is a section taken on the line 8-8 of FIG. 4; an

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the operating mechanismshown in FIGS. 3-8.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate atypical illustration of apparatus constructed in accordance with theinvention wherein a concrete floor 15 has a portion with a steppedcross-sectional configuration formed by a series of horizontal treadsurfaces 16 alternately connected by vertical riser surfaces 18. Atrough 20 is formed within the floor 15 normal to the tread surface 18and is defined by parallel spaced wall surfaces 21 (FIGS. 2 and 5)extending vertically from an eccentrically flat horizontal base surface22. Embedded angle strips 23 (FIG. 5) and 24 (FIG. 6) define the topedges of the trough 20 and serve to protect the outside corners of theadjacent concrete or other material defining the trough 20. Floor trackmeans may consist of a pair of parallel spaced tracks 25 (FIGS. 1 and 2)mounted on the floor 15 and the base surface 22 of the trough 20 toguide the lower edge portion of a partition 26. The partition 26 may beof the coilable dual wall type constructed in a manner similar to thepartition shown in the above Patent No. 3,090,425 with its upper edgeportion (not shown) connected to and supported on an overhead tracksecured to the ceiling.

A tread plate 30 is provided for each of the tread surfaces 16 and eachtread plate is connected by a series of hinges 31 (FIG. 4) to an upperchannel 32 (FIGS. 4 and 5) of a corresponding generally T-shaped frame35 rigidly mounted on one of the wall surfaces 21 forming the trough 20.Each frame 35 includes a set of two transverse footlike base channels 36(FIG. 4) which are connected to the upper channel 32 by correspondingvertical or riser channels 38. The latter channels 38 of each frame 35have a length which corresponds to the depth of the trough 20 under thecorresponding tread surface 16.

A riser plate 40 (FIGS. 1 and 4) is provided for each of the risersurfaces 18 and each riser plate is pivotally connected by a hinge 41(FIG. 4) to a vertically extending channel 42 (FIG. 6) rigidly connectedt the upper channel 32 of the corresponding frame 35 and to a plate 43(FIG. 6) connected to the corresponding adjacent angle strip 24.

Thus each tread plate 30 is pivotable between a horizontal closedposition extending between the corresponding angle strips 23 and withits upper surface substantially flush with the corresponding treadsurface 16, and a vertical open position extending parallel to the wallsurfaces 21. Similarly, each of the vertical riser plates 40 ispivotable between a closed position extending between the angle strips24 with its outer surface substantially flush with the riser surface 18and an open position extending parallel to the adjacent open tread plate30. The respective hinges 31 and 41 form pivot means supporting thetread and riser plates for movement between closed positions to formcontinnations of the tread and riser surfaces across the trough and openpositions permitting the extension of the partition 26 within thetrough.

Means interconnecting the tread plates 30 and operable to pivot thembetween their open and closed positions includes a drive mechanism 50(FIG. 9). The mechanism 50 simultaneously opens and closes all of thetread plates 30 and includes a separate transverse shaft 51 (FIG. 5)supported below each of the tread plates 30 on aligned bearings 52, onebeing mounted on one of the vertical channels 38 and the other mountedon an angle bracket 53 secured to the corresponding base channel 36. Acam 55 (FIG. 9) is rigidly mounted on each of the shafts 51 and includesa curved or arcuate slot 56 which receives a follower 57 mounted on thelower end portion of a vertically extending push rod 60 (FIGS. 5 and 9).The rod 60 is supported by one or more sleeve-type bearing members 62rigidly connected to the corresponding frame channel 38.

The upper end portion of each push rod 60 is threaded to receive anadjustable coupling 64 (FIG. 5) secured to the lower end portion of arod 65 having a slot for receiving a flat tab 66 secured to theunderside of the corresponding tread plate 30. An arcuate slot 67 (FIG.5) is formed within each tab 66, and each rod 65 is connected to thecorresponding tab by a pin 68 extending through the slot 67.

A pair of sprockets 75 (FIG. 5) are rigidly connected to each shaft 51,and a series of endless chains 76 (FIG. 9) successively connect thesprockets 75 to a drive sprocket (not shown) mounted on the output shaftof an electric motor drive and gear reducing unit 80 (FIG. 3) located atthe inner end of the trough 20.

Means interconnecting the riser plates 40 and operable to pivot thembetween their open and closed positions includes a drive mechanism 85.The mechanism 85 simultaneously opens and closes all of the riser plates40 and includes a series of transverse shafts 86 (FIGS. 8 and 9)supported adjacent one side wall of the trough below each of riserplates 40 by a series of three aligned bearings 87, one being mounted onthe corresponding vertical frame channel 38 and the other two mounted oncorresponding angle brackets 88 (FIG. 8) secured to the correspondingbase channel 36. A triple sprocket 90 is rigidly secured to each of theshafts 86 between the bearings 87 mounted on the angle brackets 88.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 7 and 9, :a transverse shaft 92 is positionedvertically above each shaft 86 and is supported by a pair of bearings93, one mounted on the corresponding frame channel 32 and the other onemounted on an angle bracket 94 rigidly secured to the frame channel 32.A cam member 96 is rigidly secured to each shaft 92 between tubularspacers 97 and each cam member 96 includes an arcuate slot 98 in amanner similar to each cam member 55.

A follower 99 is positioned within each slot 98 and is supported by oneend portion of a horizontally extending push rod 100 (FIGS. 6 and 9)supported by a sleevetype bearing member 101 secured to thecorresponding frame channel 32. A threaded coupling 102 connects theopposite end of each push rod 100 to a rod 103 having its forward endslotted to receive a tab 104 secured to the inner surface of each riserplate 40 above the corresponding hinge 41. Each of the tabs 104 isconstructed similar to each tab 66, that is, with an arcuate slot 105for receiving a corresponding cross pin 106.

A sprocket 110 (FIGS. 6 and 7) is rigidly secured to the outer endportion of each shaft 92 and is connected by an endless chain 111 to theinnermost sprocket 90 (FIG. 8) mounted on the corresponding shaft 86. Aseries of endless chains 114 (FIG. 9) successively connect the other twosprockets 90 on each shaft 86 to a second drive unit 80 (not shown)mounted adjacent the drive unit 80 so that all of the shafts 86 arerotated simultaneously at the same speed.

In operation, when it is desirable to open the trough 20 for extendingthe coilable partition 26, the drive 80 for the chains '76 is actuatedcausing cams 55 and push rods 60 to move the tread plates 30simultaneously from their horizontal closed positions to their verticalopen positions. Immediately after the tread plates are opened, the drivefor the chains 114 is actuated to cause the earns 96 and push rods 100to move the riser plates 40 from their corresponding closed positions toopen positions adjacent the underneath surfaces of the correspondingopen tread plates 30 as shown in FIG. 2. To close the trough 20 afterthe partition 26 is retracted, the operation is merely reversed. Thatis, the drive for the chains 114 is reversed to close simultaneously theriser plates 40 after which the drive 80 for the chains 76 is reversedto close simultaneously the tread plates 30.

From the drawings and the above description, it becomes apparent thatapparatus constructed in accordance with the invention provides severaldesirable features and advantages. For example, by providing separatepivotable tread plates 30 and riser plates 40 for the correspondingtread surfaces 116 and riser surfaces 18, the trough 20 can be closed sothat the tread surfaces 16 and riser surfaces 18 continue smoothlyacross the trough 20. Thus if desired, the tread and riser plates mayserve as steps and used in conjunction with a pair of parallel spacedhand rails 115 to form an aisle, as shown in FIG. 1.

Another important advantage is provided by the automatic operation ofthe tread and riser plates between their open and closed position byactuation of the corresponding mechanisms 50 and 85. That is, the treadand riser plates can be conveniently and quickly opened for extendingthe partition 26 and conveniently and quickly closed after the partitionis retracted so that the trough 20 does not remain uncovered when thepartition is retracted. The actuating mechanisms 50 and for opening andclosing the corresponding tread and riser plates also provide thefeatures of positive and dependable operation and, in addition, therelationship of the cams 55 and 96 to their corresponding push rods 60and assures that the tread and riser plates are locked in theirrespective closed positions to prevent the plates from being manuallyopened from above the floor 15.

While the form of apparatus herein described constitutes a preferredembodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the inventionis not limited to this precise form of apparatus, and that changes maybe made therein without departing from the scope of the invention whichis defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. \Apparatus for partitioning a room having a steplike floor defined bya plurality of alternating horizontal tread and vertical riser surfaces,comprising means defining a trough interrupting said tread and risersurfaces, a retractable partition, a corresponding plurality of treadand riser plates, pivot means supporting each said tread and riser platefor movement between a closed position to form continuations of saidtread and riser surfaces across said trough and an open positionexposing said trough to provide for extending said partition within saidtrough, means interconnecting said tread plates and operable to movesaid tread plates between said open and closed positions, and meansinterconnecting said riser plates and operable to move said riser platesbetween said open and closed positions.

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 11 including means for mounting saidpivot means for each said tread and riser plate on the same side of saidtrough to effect positioning of said riser plates adjacent thecorresponding said tread plates when said tread and riser plates are insaid open position.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said interconnecting meansincludes cam means for moving each said tread and riser plate betweensaid open and closed positions, and power drive means connected to saidinterconnecting means for said tread and riser plates.

4. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said means interconnectingsaid tread plates and said riser plates include a rotary cam member foreach said tread and riser plate, follower means engaging each said cammember and connected to the corresponding said plate, and drive meansfor rotating each said cam member.

5. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein each said cam membercomprises a plate having means defining a curved slot therein, and saidfollower means engages said cam member at said slot.

6. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 including a shaft supporting eachsaid cam member, sprocket means mounted on each said shaft for rotationwith the corresponding said cam member, said drive means comprisingendless chain means extending around said sprocket means, and reversiblepower drive means connected to said chain means.

7. Apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said shaft and cam member foreach said riser plate is positioned horizontally behind said riserplate, said shaft and cam member for each said tread plate is positionedbelow said tread plate, sprockets for each said riser plate and twosprockets for each said tread plate, and said chain means comprising aseries of endless chains successively connecting said sprockets foradjacent said riser plates and a series of endless chains successivelyconnecting said sprockets for said tread plates.

8. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 including means for operating saidmeans interconnecting said tread plates to effect simultaneous movementof said tread plates, and means for operating said means interconnectingsaid riser plates to effect simultaneous movement of said riser plates.

9. Apparatus as defined in claim 8 including first power drive meansconnected to effect said simultaneous movement of said tread plates, andsecond power drive means connected to effect said simultaneous movementof said riser plates.

10. In a movable room divider arrangement, the improvement for dividinga room in which the floor includes a series of alternating horizontaltread and vertical said sprocket means comprising four riser surfaces,comprising means in said floor defining a trough extending transverselythrough said series of surfaces, a corresponding series of tread platesand riser plates, means mounting each said tread plate for movementbetween a first position in which said tread plates are generallycoextensive with the corresponding said tread surfaces and a secondposition in which said tread plates expose said trough, means mountingeach of said riser plates for movement between a first position in whichsaid riser plates are generally coextensive with an associated saidriser surface and a second position in which said riser plates exposesaid trough, and mechanical linkage means for moving said tread platesand said riser plates between their said first and second positions.

.11. The arrangement of claim 10 in which each of said tread and riserplates are pivotally mounted adjacent a common side of said trough andin which each said tread plate in said second position assumes agenerally vertical alignment with respect to said trough and in whicheach said riser plate in said second position is positioned verticallyadjacent the corresponding said tread plate.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 292,071 1/18-84 Thompson 529 X2,576,556 11/1951- Babson 52183 2,859,488 11/ 1958 Mackintosh 5293,090,424 5/ 1963 Carlo 23 3,090,425 5/ 1963 Carlo 16025 FRANK L.ABBOTT, Primary Examiner.

PRICE C. FAW, JR., Assistant Examiner.

US. Cl. X.R.

